ADL Honored By LULAC for Its Dedication to Issues of Importance to the Hispanic Community

New York, NY, June 7, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was honored by the New York League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for its dedication to issues of high concern to the Hispanic community, including immigration reform.

LULAC, which is the oldest and largest national Latino civil rights organization, honored the League during its annual regional gala in New York City on June 5.

“The ADL mission…has greatly and positively impacted the social conscience and social order of the world,” said Ralina Cardona, LULAC New York State Director. “It gives us great pride to recognize the accomplishments and the continuing work of the ADL. Its commitment to eliminating hate in the world is the beacon that will lead all humanity, hand-in-hand, to ‘a better tomorrow.’”

Michael Salberg, ADL Director of International Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the League.

“It is especially meaningful for ADL to be recognized by LULAC, the oldest and largest national Latino volunteer civil rights organization, and it is with great pride that we are able to celebrate together the important work of our two organizations to create a better future and a stronger, more inclusive America,” Mr. Salberg told an audience of political, civic and business leaders along with national LULAC members.

He also emphasized that “We cannot let the task of fighting hate fall to its victims alone. We must have allies who can be counted upon to raise their voices alongside ours. Hatred is stopped only when good people stand up and, most importantly, when each of us stands up for the other.”

Mr. Salberg expressed appreciation for the strong and close working relationship between LULAC and ADL, noting that “Some of you know firsthand ADL’s dedication to the issues of greatest concern to the Hispanic communities today. We have been lobbying for comprehensive immigration reform on Capitol Hill, we have been on the roller coaster ride together for the passage of the DREAM Act and we have raised our voice to expose the perils of extremists who target us all – Jews and Latinos alike.”

Referring to ADL’s polling on anti-Semitic attitudes in the U.S., Mr. Salberg pointed out the latest survey revealed a significantly higher level of anti-Semitic beliefs among Hispanics versus the overall American population and thanked LULAC’s leaders and others in the Latino community for being ready to counteract negative stereotypes of Jews.

“The good news is that when we brought these results to leaders in the Latino communities, they understood and shared our concerns and most importantly, expressed a willingness to help us address the problem,” Mr. Salberg said. “That spirit of caring, concern and cooperation has only grown as we confront and combat bigotry of all kinds together.”

Assemblywoman Carmen E. Arroyo of District 84, and Fernando Laguarda, Vice President of External Affairs and Policy Counselor for Time Warner Cable, Inc., were also honored.

ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.